I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ.

I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus,

who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me;

whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart;

whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;

no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!

If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself.

But, if he wronged you in anything, or owes you anything, set down this to my account.

I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides.

Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ.

But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.

Epaphras, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus, salutes you;

as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.